"I am Damian Fletcher. The vice commander of the Greenwood Kingdom's royal family." Damian stated his name, his gaze fixed on Nicole.
"Nicole. Platinum Inquisitor." Nicole also introduced herself, but her tone was cold as though she didn't trust the person from another country.
However, Noel ignored that fact and said, "Since you have known each other now, it's time to get moving."
Nicole stopped him by asking, "Before we leave, where are we going? I can kinda understand the direction and the location where you want to go, but I don't have a map of the terrain. So, it'll be troublesome if we just enter an unknown area, considering there might be a lot of risks such as a hidden demon nest."
Noel also had this question when he received the information from the system. However, the reward from Ardagan was much more powerful.
He actually gave him an image of the map and the distance. It seemed that Ardagan took advantage of his ancestor's memory to draw this map.
So, Noel took out a scroll from his back and handed it to her. "This is the map."
The map depicted a vast expanse of land beyond the border. There was a mountain standing majestically in their way. There were two rivers meandering through valleys. Most of the areas were covered by trees.
There was a marking that seemed to be only two weeks away from their location. But due to the uncertainty of the terrain and the unknown dangers the outside world had, they might need a month to reach the mark on the map.
In addition, there was no additional information about the danger or demons hiding in the area, forcing them to be even more careful.
Nicole furrowed her eyebrows while opening the scroll. It took her a few minutes before she asked, "Are you sure this map is accurate?"
"Aside from the danger area, the map should be giving the terrain information accurately," Noel confirmed without hesitation.
Nicole thought for a moment. 'Although we can't know the details about the danger, having a detailed map like this is enough. If everything that is drawn here is correct, then we can predict the places where demons are most likely to create a nest. Still, to think that this guy has this kind of map… Who is he?'
'He manages to invite this vice captain of the royal army from another country. He is also an expert at a similar level. One of them is enough to kill me with ease, let alone two. It seems that Anna wants me to take part because she wants to be useful.'
'I see. I get the gist of the situation now.' Nicole let out a long sigh. "Alright. Do you mind if I hold this map during the trip so that I can check the terrain and confirm our location?"
Noel nodded. She was the expert, so he didn't plan to interfere with anything she did.
Now that they had reached an agreement, the group finally left.
Since this was the first time they cooperated with each other, Noel had to take the reign of the group.
"Damian and Dimitri will observe from the rear. Anna and I will be cooperating with each other to fight as many demons as possible. It'll make the trip last longer, but this is a part of the training. So, I hope that you two can agree."
Dimitri nodded without hesitation, not doubting Noel's decision. He must be frustrated about the two defeats he suffered in succession, so he must want to get stronger to avoid such a thing anymore. So, he supported his decision completely.
Damian, on the other hand, added, "I don't mind, but whenever it gets too dangerous, I'll make a move. Some superficial injuries should be fine since we have a healer here, but having fractured ribs or broken bones will cause a lot of problems on the trip, right, lady Healer?"
"Call me Nicole. But yes, I can easily heal superficial wounds and some internal injuries, but bones will take longer to heal, at least two to three days, depending on the damage. So, it'll become a problem once you suffer that much damage." Nicole agreed with Damian. This trip was dangerous, so they couldn't make the trip too long.
Noel and Anna exchanged looks. They agreed with the condition.
Noel opened his mission, making sure which missions he could complete in this mission.
[Mission: Meeting the Hermit]
[Description: Meeting the Hermit and finding a way to learn from him.]
[Reward: Fighter Medal and three random runes of Rune Body.]
[Penalty: ???]
[Mission: Peerless (2)]
[Description: To prove your might, one has to fight a few enemies of the same level. Defeat five Peak Level Demons by yourself in a single battle.]
[Reward: Union of Sword, Spiritual Step, and Elite Medal.]
'With my new strength, I should be able to handle five Peak Level Demons by myself, right?' Noel thought while furrowing his eyebrows. Even if he had to restrain himself by using only one element, his fire element should be enough to defeat five Peak Level Demons.
"If an opportunity arises, may I fight against five Peak Level Demons by myself? I need it to improve my strength." Noel asked right after he agreed that Damian would help if the situation went bad.
"…" Damian's eyebrows twitched, wondering if Noel heard him or not. But Noel met his gaze with a determined look as though this was important for his improvement.
"As long as you are not injured heavily, then I don't mind." Damian could only sigh.
"Thanks. This means a lot to me." Noel made a gentle smile. He didn't know about the two new abilities and the new medal, but those three should be powerful. So, he truly needed them if he wanted to survive.
While they were thinking about Noel's request, Nicole warned them about the danger ahead. "Hey, you guys. We have company ahead. Seven demons ahead, and there are more in the left and right."
